John Mellencamp art exhibition coming to the Butler

YOUNGSTOWN — A new exhibition of paintings by rock icon John Mellencamp will open at the Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., on Sept. 20 and run through Nov. 18.

Title “John Mellencamp: Expressionist,” it will be the artist’s second show with the Butler, after his 2013-14 exhibition at the museum’s Trumbull Branch in Howland.

The upcoming exhibition features at least 42 large-scale oil portraits and mixed-media pieces that share the same anti-establishment aura as his music. The works deal with issues of the working class and bittersweet truths of the human condition.

Admission to the exhibition and to the museum is free.

“This is John Mellencamp’s second major exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art, and one that truly reveals the depth of his talent as a visual artist,” said Louis A. Zona, the museum's executive director.

The exhibition will open with a private artist reception for Butler Museum members. For membership information, visit ButlerArt.com or call 330-743-1107, ext.1312.